Clogged drains can be a real nuisance. From slow-draining sinks to overflowing toilets, these blockages can be difficult to remove. Fortunately, there are some simple tips and tricks that can help you unblock a drain quickly and easily. Read on for 10 of the best!
1. Boiling Water
One of the simplest ways to unblock a drain is to pour boiling water down it. The hot water can help to break down any grease or soap scum that is causing the blockage, allowing it to flow away more easily. Just be careful not to burn yourself!
You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the boiling water, as this can help to lubricate the pipes and make it easier for the blockage to move.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Another great way to unblock a drain is by using baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. Leave the mixture for around 10 minutes, then flush it away with boiling water.
The baking soda and vinegar will react together to help break down any blockages in the pipes. This method is particularly effective for removing hair and other organic matter from the drain.
3. Plunger
If you have a plunger, you can use it to try and unblock your drain. Start by filling the sink or bathtub with enough water to cover the plunger, then place it over the drain and pump it up and down several times.
This should create a vacuum that will help to dislodge any blockages in the pipes. If this doesn’t work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner.
4. Wire Coat Hanger
If you don’t have a plunger, you can use a wire coat hanger instead. Straighten out the hanger and then bend one end into a hook shape. Push this hook into the drain and try to pull out any debris that may be causing the blockage.
Be careful not to push the debris further down the pipe, as this could make the problem worse!
5. Chemical Drain Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners are another option for unblocking drains. These products contain powerful chemicals that can help to dissolve any blockages in the pipes. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
It’s also important to wear gloves and safety glasses when using chemical drain cleaners, as they can be very corrosive.
6. Plumber’s Snake
If all else fails, you may need to call in a professional plumber. They will be able to use a special tool called a plumber’s snake to dislodge any stubborn blockages in your pipes.
This tool consists of a long metal cable with a sharp end that can be inserted into the drain and used to break up any clogs.
7. Baking Soda and Salt
Another simple trick for unblocking drains is to mix together baking soda and salt. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of salt. Leave this mixture for around 10 minutes before flushing it away with boiling water.
The baking soda and salt will react together to help break down any blockages in the pipes.
8. Hot Water and Dish Soap
Hot water and dish soap can also be used to unblock drains. Start by pouring a few cups of hot water down the drain, followed by a few drops of dish soap. Leave this mixture for around 10 minutes before flushing it away with more hot water.
The hot water will help to break down any grease or soap scum that is causing the blockage, while the dish soap will help to lubricate the pipes.
9. Wire Brush
If you have an old wire brush lying around, you can use it to try and unblock your drain. Start by pushing the brush into the drain and then twisting it around to try and dislodge any debris that may be causing the blockage.
Be careful not to push the debris further down the pipe, as this could make the problem worse!
10. Vacuum Cleaner
If all else fails, you may need to use a vacuum cleaner to try and unblock your drain. Start by attaching one end of the vacuum hose to your vacuum cleaner and then inserting it into the drain.
Turn on your vacuum cleaner and let it run for several minutes before turning it off again. This should help to suck out any debris that may be causing the blockage.
Unblocking Drains Made Easy!
Clogged drains can be a real nuisance, but with these 10 tips and tricks you’ll be able to unblock them quickly and easily! From boiling water and baking soda/vinegar mixtures to chemical drain cleaners and plumber’s snakes, there are plenty of options available for getting rid of those pesky blockages.
Just remember to take safety precautions when using any chemical products, and if all else fails don’t hesitate to call in a professional plumber for help.
I was an intern at the editorial office. When I saw their ad for a freelancer, I decided to come back. I’m a fan of series and movies, I spend my weekends at the cinema and my nights in front of Netflix